How to Relieve Depression Naturally

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Filed under: Anxiety Remedies 

Depression is a mood disorder that ranges from mild to severe. All of us have experienced a form of depression at some time in our lives. It can accompany loss, stress, unresolved anger, fear, shame, disappointment and other emotional dynamics that are a part of our life situation. Depression is experienced by children, adults, and elderly regardless of economic status, gender, or culture. Depression affects physical health, relationships, awareness, weight, memory, decision making ability, energy level, interest, and sleep. In addition to emotional experience, depression can result from diet, nutrition, and other physical biochemical origins.

In severe, special cases of depression associated with extreme mental disorder, synthetic, chemical based drugs called antidepressants are required and necessary for relief of depression. However, most of us do not fall into this category and too often these synthetic antidepressants are prescribed for us who suffer from common daily disappointments in our lives. For most common experiences of depression, antidepressants are not often necessary. Synthetic Antidepressants have been known to have some harmful side effects, prompting the FDA to recommend that manufacturers add this warning label to their products: “Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in short-term studies in children and adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of {insert established name} or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Patients who are started on therapy should be observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidalty, or unusual changes in behavior”.

This is not to suggest that ignoring the feelings of depression will make the feelings go away. Since depression can have physical biochemical origin and depression from emotional stress can cause biochemical change in the body, it would follow that common, not severe, depression would respond to clinically proven all natural remedies as vitamins, herbs, supplements, minerals, amino acids, aromatherapy, and all natural formulas designed to relieve the pain of depression. Other treatments e.g. psychotherapy, exercise, acupuncture, yoga, meditation also aid in the natural relief of depression.

Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals can trigger depression as well as depression decreasing the availability of vitamins and minerals essential for the maintaining our body’s health. These vitamins and minerals include vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin C, magnesium, calcium and trace minerals. Supplementing our bodies with these vitamins and minerals can relieve and perhaps prevent depression as well as greatly improving our health generally.

Adding amino acids to our diets can go a long way in relieving depression and promoting general health. For example, SAMe (S-Adensoyl-L-Methionine) is an amino acid that can be found in all cells of our body. It is a natural antidepressant that has additional value of protecting the liver and cardiovascular system, synthesis of natural melatonin that assists sleeping well. Phenylalanine is another amino acid that makes the neurotransmitter, i.e. substance that conducts messages to and within the brain, norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is diminished in the brains of people who are depressed. The amino acid L-Theanine naturally reduces anxiety associated with depression and is not addictive or habit forming. Another amino acid that naturally relieves depression and stimulates alertness is L-Tyrosine.

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophane) is a naturally occurs in our bodies and helps the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Adequate amounts of serotonin is vital for a feeling and sense of emotional well being. 5-HTP can cross the blood brain barrier which makes it unique in the facilitation of serotonin. 5-HTP has gained a great reputation in the natural treatment of insomnia, depression and obesity.

For many people who suffer common depression, a effectively created herbal formula is very beneficial for the natural relief of depression. St. John’s wort (hypericum perforaturn), commonly referred to as “Nature’s Prozac”, helps naturally relieve mild or moderate depression, stress, anxiety, and tension. Gingo biloba is used as an alternative treatment for moderate depression in elderly people because depression is an early sign of cognitive decline or cerebrovascular deficiency. Valerian root has a natural calming effect for anxiety and depression. Passionflower is an efficient natural sedative for calming and sleeping well. Black Cohosh, used by early Native Americans, soothes the body and reduces spasm. These are just a few of the examples of herbs and herbal formula that treat moderate depression effectively and naturally.

Hormonal imbalance can lead to moderate depression. A common treatment is natural progesterone for women. Other natural substances help balance hormones e.g. flax oil, black cohosh, dimpro, promensil, essential fatty acids, red clover, virtex berry and many other naturally derived supplements.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils and other natural aromatic compounds from plants to effect emotional and physical health The oils are referred to as “essential” because they are the “essence” of the plant. Olfactory sense has a powerful effect on our emotional and physical health. Aromatherapy can be used to alter mood, inspire confidence, ease moderate depression, and increase energetic feeling. In some nations essential oils are used for their antiseptic qualities to treat infection. In France, many aromatherapy essential oils are perceived in a similar way as prescription drugs are in the United States. Aromatherapy comes in many forms, e.g. essential oil, mists, sticks, candles, infusions, massage creams and oils, mineral bath formulas, and absolutes.

One on the most popular aromatherapy aromas is lavender. Lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nerves and helps in treating migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. Its refreshing aroma removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness and increases mental activity. Lavender essential oil induces sleep and hence it is often recommended for insomnia. Lavender essential oil is also an excellent remedy for various types of pains including those caused by sore muscles, tense muscles, muscular aches, rheumatism, sprains, backache and lumbago.

In summary, many of us suffer mild to moderate depression for a variety of reasons. Our experience of depression is not so severe or of long duration to justify the use of powerful synthetic prescription drugs or antidepressant drugs with their potential of hazardous, harmful physical and behavioral side effects. We have available to us, a vast variety of effective, efficient, all natural vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, aromatherapy, hormonal balancers, and other safe natural modalities for relieving mild to moderate depression.

Jennifer Kays
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/how-to-relieve-depression-naturally-210518.html

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Comments

18 Comments on How to Relieve Depression Naturally

  1. ChoirChick on Sun, 15th Nov 2009 2:58 pm

    2. yoga!
    References :

  2. tmj4477 on Sun, 15th Nov 2009 3:00 pm

    3. I go through that too. I try to do things that make me happy when I’m not down. Also exercise is a natural depression deterrant.
    References :

  3. sunflower on Sun, 15th Nov 2009 3:02 pm

    4. I would like to give you a thorough and helpful answer, but as you report you suffer from depressive periods and anxiety from quite a long time. I know very well what is depression and the cause imprinted on one’s life. I must be incorrect if I state that there are no methods, techniques of help in those conditions,yet the medication are a must in most of the cases, not just to alleviate the symptoms, but also to cure, by normalizing the serotonin levels in the brain, etc.
    Yoga breathing, exercises, long walks,listening to relaxing music are extremely helpful. It is very important the act of sharing, of venting all pent-up negatives..
    References :

  4. anjum a on Sun, 15th Nov 2009 3:04 pm

    5. If you are sweet sixteen, it is perfectly okay, but you can adopt a hobby or two. If you are thirty six, you can listen to light music and try not to look behind – for when one looks behind one turns into a statue. :)
    References :
    Light from God.

  5. Yuna Zanarkand on Sun, 15th Nov 2009 3:06 pm

    6. listen to music that u love and start dancing. do it in your room.
    References :

  6. STL on Sun, 15th Nov 2009 3:08 pm

    7. regular cardo exercise has been proven to be as effetive as antidepressants!

    Omega 3 fishoil protects your brain and fends of depression and an overall healthly diet
    References :

  7. jamesemt911 on Sun, 15th Nov 2009 3:10 pm

    8. I use music to get rid of my depressional moods. If that doesn’t work, I talk to someone. Usually my mother or my step mother. Or whoever answers the phone.
    References :

  8. preciousluver69 on Sun, 15th Nov 2009 3:12 pm

    9. Try going for a swim or you can even try yoga.
    References :
    Good Luck

  9. freddy45 w on Sun, 15th Nov 2009 3:14 pm

    10. Exercise
    Yoga(breathing)
    Herbs(valeriana, passiflora, hops etc..)
    Magnesium

    Try to get into a vegetarian diet and reduce
    the amount of sugar in your diet. Avoid soft
    drinks.

    Freddy
    http://www.online-computer-repair.biz
    References :

  10. gummiebear on Sun, 15th Nov 2009 3:16 pm

    11. you really need to see a doctor. there are programs that assist people with paying for medical services and drug companies also have programs that will assit with medication. Often times doctors will have sample medications that they can supply. kava kava is a natural ingredient that can be used for anxiety.
    References :

  11. adobeprincess on Sun, 15th Nov 2009 3:18 pm

    12. Medication and therapy are the best. If you can find a way to get medication. You can sometimes get free medication from drug companies.
    References :

  12. thearizonapenguin on Sun, 15th Nov 2009 3:20 pm

    13. Yoga and meditation seem to work for hundreds of thousands of people. Try changing your diet and doing more exercise. Read or do mind changeling activities to keep your mind stimulated.

    There is no guarantee that these will work but it is well worth a try. Some people just have a chemical imbalance that only medication can help with.
    References :

  13. nocturnal37 on Sun, 15th Nov 2009 3:22 pm

    14. Yoga is good and so is cardio exercise. Go for walks or ride a bike. Even if you don’t feel up to it once you get going it feels good because it releases endorphins, those wonderful mood-elevating brain chemicals. Do anywhere from 20-30 minutes 3-4 times a week. I get in depressed moods sometimes and it helps me a lot. Good luck to you.
    References :

  14. Lesleann on Sun, 15th Nov 2009 3:24 pm

    15. here is some good info about the effects of sunshine to help depression:
    http://www.tcfnm.com/sunshine.htm
    References :

  15. Dr. C on Sun, 15th Nov 2009 3:26 pm

    16. Hypnotherapy is a wonderful way to relax and to cope with everyday life.
    You can be taught self hypnosis by going to see a Hypnotherapist.
    A cheaper alternative would be get a self help CD (or download)
    Perhaps someone will loan you one or get from the Library.

    http://www.hypnotherapistregister.com/Stress%20Management.htm

    http://www.hypnotherapistregister.com/Sleep%20Disorders.htm
    References :
    http://www.hypnotherapistregister.com/index.htm

  16. Snazzlefrazz on Sun, 15th Nov 2009 3:28 pm

    17. Anxiety Management and Treatment

    Self-Care at Home

    In certain cases, you may treat anxiety at home without the involvement of a doctor. These are limited to anxiety attacks of short duration in which you know the cause, the anxiety is short, it goes away by itself, and the cause can be eliminated. For example, you may be anxious over an upcoming public performance, a final exam, or a pending job interview. In such circumstances, stress may be relieved by such actions as these:

    * Picturing yourself successfully facing and conquering the specific fear

    * Talking with a supportive person

    * Meditation

    * Watching TV

    * Taking a long, warm bath

    * Resting in a dark room

    * Deep-breathing exercises
    References :

  17. Moonface on Sun, 15th Nov 2009 3:30 pm

    18. Hi Peanut Butter! I’m so sorry to hear you are feeling bad. I found the following steps extremely effective in combating anxiety and depression:

    1.Breathe properly – if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.

    2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for depression and anxiety. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: http://www.livinglifetothefull.com/elear... (A ‘prettier’ version of this type of programme can be bought at http://www.thewellnessshop.co.uk). If you don’t like computers, the best book is Dr Robert Burns, The Feeling Good Handbook. It basically teaches CBT and used by many psychologists.

    3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. This site has instructions on how to do it without the tapes (and other useful info): http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resource...

    With each of these steps, practise makes perfect. Hope you feel better soon! Good luck!
    References :

  18. Peanut Butter on Sun, 15th Nov 2009 10:56 pm

    19. How can I relieve anxiety and depression without medication and therapy?
    I have a problem with depression and anxiety. I have for over 10 years now and I go in and out of depressed moods. When I’m down, I fall hard. Then, when I "snap out of it" my memories of the mood are blurry. I can’t afford medication and therapy, so what are some techniques I can use to relieve the symptoms naturally?
    I am 26 years old

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